Congratulating Norouz - Iranian New Year

This news article was published under
the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt offers best wishes to those celebrating Norouz, the ancient ceremony which marks the new year for Iranians and several other nations in the region.

The Minister for the Middle East said:

“I would like to offer my best wishes to all those celebrating the festival of Norouz in Iran and around the world.At the start of the new year, Norouz marks the triumph of light and life over darkness and death. Today, we celebrate the triumph across centuries and borders of an ancient festival and culture, which is more widely recognised today than ever. Across the UK, Norouz is being celebrated in countless homes and in universities, restaurants and cultural centres. So at Norouz, it is important for us to celebrate the strong ties between the Iranian people and the British people - ties of family and friendship, cultural respect and shared heritage. And so I speak on behalf of the British people in wishing all Iranians and others marking Norouz a peaceful and prosperous start to the new year of 1390. Norouz-e-tan Pirooz.”